Congressional candidate Keith Crisco dies suddenly at home

ASHEBORO — Asheboro businessman and congressional candidate, Keith Crisco, 71, died suddenly at his home today.

ASHEBORO — Asheboro businessman and congressional candidate, Keith Crisco, 71, died suddenly at his home today.

Information is incomplete; however, early information indicates he suffered injuries from a fall around 1 p.m. at his home on 1263 Thayer Drive in Asheboro. He was reported dead at the scene when emergency workers arrived there.

John Ogburn, Asheboro city manager, confirmed that the Asheboro Police Department and Asheboro Fire Department responded to the scene. He said the case will go to the state medical examiner to determine an exact cause of death.

In a statement from the city, local officials said they were saddened to learn of Crisco’s death. During his time on the Asheboro City Council, from 2003-2009, officials said he consistently demonstrated the intellect and steadfastness that made him so successful.

"Keith was an excellent leader and public servant," said Mayor David Smith. "His service to the City of Asheboro and the State of North Carolina serves as a testimony to his love of family, community and our state."

Crisco had a long history of involvement on Asheboro’s business and local government scene. His impact reached to the state and federal level due to his involvement in industry associations, his tenure as state commerce secretary and, most recently, his run for congressional office.

"He had such a positive energy," said Bonnie Renfro, Randolph County Economic Development Corp. president. "He was always looking forward asking what can we do next in our city, in our state and at his company. He will be missed."

Randolph County Manager Richard Wells said it is hard to know where to begin when speaking to Crisco’s impact in the community.

"Economic development, business, the chamber, tourism, the zoo — he was involved in everything," Wells said.

Jim Meredith, the Randolph County Democratic chair, called Crisco honorable in word and action and a person who lived his belief that those who have been blessed with talents for business and leadership have a duty to use those talents to benefit the whole community.

"In the untimely and tragic death of Keith Crisco, the people of Randolph County and North Carolina have lost a statesman, a leader, a friend and a true public servant," he said. "Keith was a successful businessman who loved his family and his fellow human beings. To all who knew him, Keith’s life taught volumes about courtesy, friendship and service. We all grieve Keith’s passing, but our thoughts and prayers especially go out to (his wife) Jane and the Crisco family at this sad time."

Clay Aiken, Crisco’s opponent in the 2014 Democratic primary for the U.S. House of Representatives District 2 race, also sent his condolences.

"I am stunned and deeply saddened by Keith Crisco’s death," he said in a statement. "Keith came from humble beginnings. No matter how high he rose – to Harvard, to the White House and to the Governor’s Cabinet – he never forgot where he came from. He was a gentleman, a good and honorable man and an extraordinary public servant. I was honored to know him. I am suspending all campaign activities as we pray for his family and friends."

Both men were running for the chance to unseat incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers. Ellmers sent the following statement from her office in Washington.

"I am deeply saddened by this sudden and painful tragedy and wish God’s blessings for Keith’s family through the coming days," she said. "His kindness and dedication to his principles were models we should all strive toward, and he will be dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Keith’s family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time."

According to information on his election website, Crisco was a native of Aquadale. He graduated from Pfeiffer University and then received a master of business administration from Harvard University. He was picked to be a White House Fellow during the Nixon administration.

After years in the textile industry and time as a White House Fellow, in 1978 Keith returned to North Carolina to become the president of Stedman Elastics based in Asheboro. In 1986, Keith and his partners started Asheboro Elastics Company (AEC). Today, AEC employs nearly 200 people in the community.

Crisco served on Asheboro City Council from 2003-2009. He served for a time on the Asheboro City School Board from 1981-87 and the Randolph Community College Board from 1993-2009.

In 2008, Keith was asked to serve as Secretary of the N.C. Department of Commerce by then Gov. Bev Perdue. In four years he helped recruit nearly 120,000 jobs and more than $27 billion in investment for the North Carolina economy.

In addition to his government service, he served in volunteer non-profit board roles at Pfeiffer University, where he has been a trustee for more than 30 years and served as board chair, Bennett College, the N.C. Center for Public Policy Research and numerous other local and national organizations.

Crisco left the state Commerce Department in 2012 and earlier this year officially launched a run for the U.S. Congress District 2 seat in the Democratic primary.

The race was considered too close to call following the May 6 primary, but Aiken was ahead of Crisco by 369 votes. Both candidates were awaiting word from Tuesday’s official canvass before determining how to proceed.

Crisco is survived by his wife, Jane, of 49 years, three children and six grandchildren.